Protests also took place in other countries where Slovaks live, particularly in the Czech Republic, Poland, France, Norway, Ireland, Belgium and Luxembourg.
Massive street protests intensified across Slovakia on February 1 against Prime Minister Robert Fico’s plan to amend the country’s Criminal Code. Associated Press reports.
Rallies of thousands took place in 31 cities across the country. Protests also took place in other countries where Slovaks live, including the Czech Republic, Poland, France, Norway, Ireland, Belgium and Luxembourg, organizers said.
Slovak President Zuzana Caputova strongly criticized the changes proposed by the Fico government and said she was ready to appeal the bill to the Constitutional Court.
As is known, the plan approved by the Fico coalition government aims to eliminate the special prosecutor’s office that deals with serious crimes such as bribery, organized crime and extremism. They want to transfer these cases to regional prosecutors, who have not dealt with similar crimes in 20 years. The planned changes also include easing penalties for corruption and some other crimes, including the possibility of probation, as well as a significant reduction in the statute of limitations.
The ruling coalition voted on January 25 to use a fast-track parliamentary procedure to pass the changes. This means that the bill will not be scrutinized by experts and others normally involved in normal legislative proceedings. The coalition also voted to limit the discussion to the first of three parliamentary readings. The opposition condemned the move. Protests took place in cities in Germany and Slovakia.
As stated by Vera Jourová, Vice-President of the European Commission for Values and Transparency, Slovakia could be subject to financial sanctions if it adopts reforms that increase the rule of law.
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Source: korrespondent
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.